Valuers

Income

Fees

Job Prospects

Job Prospects... At a glance

Valuers’ employment is projected to grow in the next few years, which will make it easier for new valuers to get work. Income is high, especially for experienced workers. The fees for a degree are about normal for a three-year programme.

How to become a valuer

What they do

Valuers estimate the value of a number of assets, such as property, buildings, art, historical artefacts and more. A valuer usually specialise in valuing one type of items so they can build as much expertise as possible in a specialised area.

Skills employers look for

According to the latest information from the New Zealand and Australian online job ads, some of the top skills employers look for include:

Qualifications

In order to work as a valuer of real estate, you need to be registered with the Valuers Registration Board (VRB). To be registered, prospective land valuers must

Be at least 23 years old

Have at least three years of valuing experience working directly under a registered valuer

Be of good character

Have a recognised qualification.

The VRB recognises the following degrees

Bachelor of Property at University of Auckland

Bachelor of Business Studies (VPM) at Massey University

Bachelor of Commerce (VPM) at Lincoln University

Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Urban Valuation) at Massey University

Graduate Diploma in Valuation at Lincoln University

Bachelor of AgriCommerce (Rural Valuation) at Massey University

Bachelor of AgriCommerce at Lincoln University

Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Rural Valuation) at Massey University

When it comes to valuing other types of assets, there are no entry requirements needed to work as a valuer. However, on-the-job training with a skilled valuer and completion of a valuing related programme is highly recommended.

Specialist jewellery valuers have no officially recognised training and registration process. However, gemmology courses are available and suitably qualified jewellery valuers can become members of jewellery valuers and appraisers societies.

Cost of study

VRB recognised degree

$19,500 over three years

Average costs in 2018 for a domestic student. Costs vary between institutions. First time students may be eligible for fees-free tertiary education for their first year of study, which will reduce the total cost. For more information about fees-free eligibility, go to feesfree.govt.nz. Some polytechnics may have a zero-fees scheme. Further costs include materials, textbooks, and accommodation

For a qualification in personal property valuation, check directly with the relevant training provider for more information about fees.

The StudyLink website provides general budget advice for students who are studying through polytechnics, and the Sorted website provides help with detailed budget planning.

Rents vary from place to place. Estimated market rents by region, city and suburb are available on the MBIE Tenancy services website.

Where to study

VRB-recognised qualifications are offered at the University of Auckland, Massey University and Lincoln University.

For valuers of personal property, training is available through recognised international appraiser organisations such as the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). Note these qualifications are not recognised by the NZQA.

The number of valuers in employment was reasonably stable from 2006 to 2013. During the next few years, employment numbers are projected to rise at over 2%, and this should mean it will be possible for some new valuers to enter the occupation.

Where to find job vacancies

The number of online job vacancies for the broader group ‘Land Economists and Valuers’ has shown a similar overall growth trend to the average for all vacancies during the last few years, but with more variation.

Jobs advertised chart

Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

Valuer vacancies are advertised through public media such as the Trade Me Jobs and Seek websites.

Career path

Valuers can specialise in valuing certain types of valuation objects, for example commercial property or jewellery. You are more likely to find a range of specialist valuers in towns and cities. In rural areas, you are more likely to find valuers who appraise a wide range of things.

Related occupations

The following occupations are related roles or alternative titles. Some of the roles may require a higher level of skill than entry-level valuers.

Auctioneer

Insurance Loss Adjuster

Land Economist

Personal Property Valuer

Plant and Machinery Valuer

Property Valuer

Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Valuer

Other information

Links

More information on valuers is available on the Careers New Zealand website.